Best Trail Running Socks
Getting bored of your road runs and track sprints? Escape into the woods and try trail running! A combination of running and hiking on trails to increase balance and stability, build endurance, and clear your mind. We’ve rounded up the best trail running socks to keep your feet comfortable.
Unlike running on paved roads and tracks, trail running takes a little more concentration, balance, and hard work. Unless you find a well-groomed trail, running on trails means you’re bound to face more challenging and difficult terrain. You will be running on inclines, skipping over rocks, striding over tree roots, and putting more stress on your feet.
In addition to supportive, durable, and sturdy shoes to handle the stress, you’re going to want a pair of high-quality trail socks. Quality trail socks not only manage and wick away moisture, but they also add overall foot protection, reduce blisters and abrasions from the shifting in your shoe. Made of Merino wool and synthetic fibers to keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter the weather, your trail running socks should also have some cushioning to reduce pressure and discomfort that can result from running on uneven ground. Many hardcore trail runners prefer a crew height sock to get a little more protection of the lower leg from dirt, rocks, and bugs.
Best Socks for Trail Running
Smartwool Men’s PhD Run Light Elite Pattern Micro Crew Socks (and Women) - $17.95
Smartwool's best fitting, most advanced run socks yet, they packed years of testing, prototypes and running smarts into these socks. Featuring Light Elite cushioning in the ball and heel of the foot for ultimate shock absorption with minimal in-shoe volume, men's specific mesh ventilation zones and a Virtually Seamless; toe.
Injinji Trail 2.0 Midweight Mini-Crew Sock - $15.00
Injinji 2.0 Trail Midweight Mini Crew Socks are engineered for the uneven and unpredictable terrain of trail running. With a double elastic cuff to keep dirt out and hold the sock in place, you'll be ready to take on the trail ahead.
Thorlos Trail Running Ankle Socks - $15.99
Enjoying tennis and playing harder, longer and for a lifetime with the ultimate in foot protection. Fast starts, fast stops and lateral movements on the court cause pain and stress on your feet. Specifically engineered to deliver maximum protection and comfort for any player who is prone to blisters, foot pain or discomfort.
Drymax Run Hyper Thin Mini Crew Socks - $11.50
The Drymax Hyper-Thin Running Mini-Crew socks are the lightest running socks on the market, and contain a dual-layer moisture removal system that stays dry by moving sweat out and away from your feet. When you sweat, water is repelled by the inner hydrophobic layer to the outer hydrophilic Drymax layer, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Other running socks rely on moisture-wicking fibers that use the slow process of evaporation. Drymax socks dry at the same speed as you sweat, keeping you on the road longer. Designed for mild to hot-weather days, the Drymax Hyper-Thin Running socks are perfect for runs on those hot summer days. Made in the USA.
Drymax Lite Hiking ¼ Crew Socks - $12.00
The Drymax Hiking Lite-Mesh 1/4 Crew socks are 25% lighter than the standard hiking sock, and contain a dual-layer moisture removal system that stays dry by moving sweat out and away from your feet. When you sweat, water is repelled by the inner hydrophobic layer to the outer hydrophilic Drymax layer, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Other hiking socks rely on moisture-wicking fibers that use the slow process of evaporation. Drymax socks dry at the same speed as you sweat, keeping you on the trail longer.
The Drymax fibers used in the Lite-Mesh Hiking socks are the least thermally conductive fibers available, meaning that your feet stay warm in cold weather conditions because the sock doesn't pull heat away from your skin. These socks are perfect for everything from warm weather to a cool fall day. Made in the USA.
CEP Women’s Progressive+ Run Socks 2.0 (and Men) - $60.00
No matter the distance, the Run Sock 2.0 offer maximum benefits. The flagship product in the CEP line-up, these socks are the defining performance product in the compression category. CEP’s proprietary compression profile improves blood flow, reduces muscle soreness and quickens recovery time.